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I have an elderly Acer, over 20 easily, in a 60cm pot in semi-shade

surjohnjarvis6gVe5ZFPsurjohnjarvis6gVe5ZFP Posts: 2
in Problem solving
The Acer has in recent years has started to have branches die back. I notice that the surface of the soil has risen, and includes closely knit fine roots, which are almost impenetrable. I guess it needs re-potting, but our garden is small.  Is there another solution, please?

Posts

  • surjohnjarvis6gVe5ZFPsurjohnjarvis6gVe5ZFP Posts: 2
    This is my first post, I thought the heading would be included. The Acer is over 20 years old.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Do you feed it or top the soil up at all?
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    If it has been in a pot for 20 years it really does need repotting.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    punkdoc said:
    If it has been in a pot for 20 years it really does need repotting.
    Absolutely ,  I  know they are not hungry feeders normally but they do need some nutrition.  It doesn't need ericaceous soil JI 2 will do.  
    AB Still learning

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree - if it's had no help for a long time, it'll need that. If you can't repot it, you'll certainly need to remove some of the old medium and replace it.
    If the soil is 'rising', it suggests there's a lot of roots in the pot, and probably not much else. If you aren't able to root prune it, it'll need a bigger container, or a purpose built one.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    60cm is quite big.  Repot rather than pot on.  John Innes will gve a bit of weight to keep the plant stable.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    It's the size of the tree in relation to the pot that is important, not the absolute size of the pot.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Indeed @punkdoc. Have you got a photo @surjohnjarvis6gVe5ZFP?
    That can help with further advice or ideas  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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